MAIN EDUCATION TRACKS

ONE DAY ONLY - FRIDAY, MARCH 21st

THIS EDUCATION TRACK IS FULL / SOLD OUT

8:00am - 9:15am / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st

Electronics - Amplifier Specifications and Objective Comparisons

Instructors: Jeff Smith, Chris Van Ry and Larry Penn / MSC

Bonus: Meet Julian Fischer from Audiotec Fischer

Course Description:

What do amplifier specifications really mean? Which amplifier specifications are the most important in determining the performance characteristics of amplifiers? Power is power right? But what else should we know about choosing to right amplifiers for high performance audio systems. Not all amplifiers are built the same, so what makes one amplifier design or class better or different than another. Are all amplifiers tested the same and do these tests actually guarantee the performance and reliability? 

What You Will Learn:

• Understanding Specifications: Learn how to evaluate the performance of electronics in car audio systems using measurable criteria.
• Critical Metrics: Understand which measurements are most crucial for assessing the performance of amplifiers.
• Design Impact: Explore amplifier topology and design features that enhance audio performance and benefits modern vehicle electrical systems.
• Performance Validation: Gain insights into what performance and certification testing can actually tell you about an amplifier before you choose it for your high-performance car audio system. 
  

9:30am - 10:45am / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st

Speakers - Measurements and Objective Qualification

Instructor: Andy Wehmeyer

Course Description:

What do the graphs and the numbers really mean? Do they tell us how a speaker sounds? How are reliable and high-quality measurements of speakers made and what do they tell us? How the graphs, specifications and Thiele and Small parameters help us determine their intended use and help us extract optimum performance. 

What You Will Learn:

• Purpose of Measurements: Understanding what speaker graphs and numerical data represent in terms of performance and sound characteristics.
• Interpreting Speaker Data: Learning how specifications, graphs, and Thiele-Small parameters correlate to how a speaker sounds in real-world applications.
• Measurement Techniques: Insights into how reliable and high-quality speaker measurements are performed.
• Optimizing Performance: Using specifications and parameters to determine a speaker’s intended use and achieve optimal performance.
• Practical Application: Applying the knowledge of graphs and specifications to enhance audio system design and speaker integration.
  

11:00am - 12:15pm / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st

In-Vehicle Acoustics - Measurements and Objective Qualification

Instructor: Mark Eldrige

Course Description:

What are the best ways to make in-car acoustic measurements and what do they tell us? Which measurements are most important, what equipment is required and how do we interpret them correctly? How can objective measurements of performance contribute to system optimization for current and future system designs? 

What You Will Learn:

• In-Car Acoustic Measurements: Learn the best methods for making accurate in-car acoustic measurements and understand their significance.
• Prioritizing Measurements: Identify which acoustic measurements are the most critical for system evaluation and optimization.
• Required Equipment: Understand the essential tools and equipment necessary for conducting reliable acoustic measurements.
• Interpretation of Data: Gain skills in correctly interpreting acoustic measurement data to derive meaningful insights.
• System Optimization: Discover how objective performance measurements can improve system optimization for current setups and future designs.
• Practical Application: Focus on applying these measurement techniques to real-world scenarios for enhanced audio system performance.
  

4:30pm - 5:45pm / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st

The Relationship Between Objective and Subjective Measurements of Sound Quality

Instructor: Dr. Sean Olive - Harman International 

Course Description:

Is it really “all subjective anyway?” What do different listeners prefer? Can objective measurements be correlated to sound quality and predict listener preference? How can objective measurements be best used to optimize the perceived sound quality of system design and performance? Dr. Sean Olive is a Senior Fellow in Acoustic Research at Harman International, with extensive expertise in the perception and measurement of sound quality of loudspeakers, headphones and car audio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Toronto and both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Sound Recording from McGill University in Montreal.

What You Will Learn:

• Listening Tests that produce Facts Vs. Opinions: Learn how to conduct scientific listening tests that produce accurate, reliable and unbiased data versus a random opinion.  
• Subjective vs. Objective Debate: Explore whether audio quality is entirely subjective or if objective measurements can provide meaningful insights into listener preferences.
• Understanding Listener Preferences: Discuss what different listeners prefer and how their subjective evaluations align with measurable characteristics of sound systems.
• Correlation of Measurements and Preferences: Examine how objective analysis (e.g., frequency response, distortion) correlates with subjective evaluations, providing a more structured approach to sound system design.
• Predictability in System Design: Learn how applying the correlation between objective data and subjective experiences can lead to more predictable and desirable performance in audio systems.
• Practical Implementation: Gain insights into how understanding these relationships can be implemented to enhance system design and evaluation processes.
• Expert Insights: Leverage the extensive knowledge and experience of renowned audio researchers like Floyd Toole and Sean Olive, who have conducted groundbreaking work in this field.
  

This session aims to bridge the gap between technical measurements and human experiences, making audio system design both scientifically sound and listener-approved.

Dr. Sean Olive's Bio:

Dr. Olive began his career as a research scientist at the National Research Council of Canada, where he focused on the perception and measurement of loudspeakers, designing listening rooms, and improving microphone technology. During this time, he collaborated with Floyd Toole, who later joined Harman and in 1993 invited Dr. Olive to join his research team.

A longtime member and Fellow of the Audio Engineering Society, Dr. Olive served as its president in 2013. We are honored to have Dr. Olive teach at the MasterTech Expo.